Integrated digital device and displaying method using the same

ABSTRACT

An integrated digital device and a displaying method are provided. The integrated digital device includes a display unit displaying a plurality of setup information items. A plurality of input keys positioned in the vicinity of the plurality of setup information items, respectively, are displayed on the display unit. A mode input unit selecting one among a plurality of modes in which different digital device functions are performed and a modifier modifying at least one of the setup information items according to at least one among the mode selected by the mode input unit and an input from at least one of the input keys.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/488,036,filed on Jul. 18, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of KoreanPatent Application Nos. 10-2005-0080337 filed on Aug. 30, 2005,10-2005-0080354 filed on Aug. 30, 2005, 10-2005-0080357 filed on Aug.30, 2005, 10-2005-0080358 filed on Aug. 30, 2005, 10-2005-0080359 filedon Aug. 30, 2005, and 10-2005-0080361 filed on Aug. 30, 2005, in theKorean Intellectual Property Office, and also claims the benefit under35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/701,114filed on Jul. 21, 2005, in the United States Patent and TrademarkOffice, the entire disclosures of all of said prior application beingincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an integrated digital devicefunctioning as different digital devices in different modes. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to an integrated digitaldevice functioning as different digital devices such as a digitalcamera, a digital camcorder, a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB)receiver, and an MPEG layer 3 (MP3) player in different modes.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, a plurality of independently functioning digital devices havebeen integrated into single devices, which has enabled an integrateddigital device comprising a digital camera, a digital camcorder, a DMBreceive, and an MP3 player, among others to be combined into one device.To control many functions of different digital devices, a plurality offunctions allowing a user to set different types of necessaryinformation should be provided. To allow the user to quickly changesetup information, a plurality of input devices such as buttons may beprovided. However, input devices which use multiple buttons to inputsetup information for the functions prevent a user from easily using adigital device. To overcome this problem, a structure in which a menuscreen allowing a user to select and execute a preferred processaccording to a combination of a selection button and a decision buttonis displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD)is used. However, an operation required to execute the preferred processis a complicated, time-consuming process.

Also, when a selected menu item moves up and down or to the left andright over main menu items in a state in which main menu items are fixedin a main menu area, sub menu items of the selected main menu item alsoshift up and down or to the left and right. Therefore, the structure ofa screen is complicated. In particular, when a user moves the highlightfast over the main menu items for a quick search, sub menu itemsbelonging to a selected main menu item also quickly move. This causes avisual inconvenience to a user.

Moreover, when a user enters an input command using an input key buttonon a screen displaying icons indicating a plurality of setup informationitems and icons and characters indicating state information of thescreen in a shooting mode or a playback mode, all of the icons and thecharacters are removed from the screen and only an object is displayedon the screen. In this state, when the user operates the same input keybutton on the screen displaying the object, a backlight of the screen isturned off so that even the object is not shown. In this case, since allof the icons serving as hot keys disappear in response to the user'ssingle input command, the user cannot know information necessary forshooting or playback.

In an integrated digital device, a user can search for a preferredmultimedia content using thumbnails corresponding to multimediacontents. However, the number of thumbnails that can be displayed on ascreen at one time is limited and a search using a conventional methodtakes a large amount of time when a large number of multimedia contentsare stored.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system and method toeliminate limitations on the number of thumbnails that can be displayedand to decrease the amount of time required to search when a largenumber of multimedia contents are stored.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is toaddress at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provideat least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect ofexemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide anintegrated digital device allowing a plurality of function modes to beset using several input keys and different types of information to beset using at least one input key, thereby allowing many functions to becontrolled with a small number of buttons.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, anintegrated digital device for adjusting a state of an MPEG layer 3 (MP3)player mode is provided. Several input keys are used and stateinformation of the MP3 player mode is output to a display according tothe change in a state of the MP3 player mode.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention also provides anintegrated digital device for adjusting a state of a digital multimediabroadcasting (DMB) receiver mode using several input keys and outputtingstate information of the DMB receiver mode to a display according to thechange in a state of the DMB receiver mode.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, amenu display method for efficiently displaying a plurality of functionmodes and various main and sub menus of a digital device comprisingvarious functions, thereby providing convenient graphical user interface(GUI) for users, and a digital device using the menu display method areprovided.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention also provides an icondisplay method for allowing a user to select a screen, from which allicons and characters except hot key information indicating essentialfunctions are removed, or a screen, from which all icons and charactersare totally removed, using a step-by-step key input command in a digitalcamera or a digital camcorder, thereby providing convenience for theuser, and a digital device using the icon display method.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention also provides a displaydevice and method in which the number of thumbnails and a searchinterval change according to a period of time while selection of amultimedia content search button is continued.

These and other objects of exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention will be described in or be apparent from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, an integrated digital device including a display unit, aplurality of input keys, mode input unit, and a modifier are provided.The display unit displays a plurality of setup information items and theplurality of input keys are positioned in the vicinity of the pluralityof setup information items, respectively, displayed on the display unit.The mode input unit selects one among a plurality of modes in whichdifferent digital device functions are performed and the modifiermodifies at least one of the setup information items according to atleast one among the mode selected by the mode input unit and an inputfrom at least one of the input keys.

According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, an integrated digital device including a display unit, aplurality of input keys, a mode input unit, and a modifier are provided.The display unit displays a plurality of setup information items and atleast one among information indicating that an MPEG layer 3 (MP3) fileis set to an erase protection state and information indicating that theMP3 file is listed on a user playlist. The plurality of input keys arepositioned in the vicinity of the plurality of setup information items,respectively, and displayed on the display unit. The mode input unitselects an MP3 player mode among a plurality of modes in which differentdigital device functions are performed and a modifier modifies at leastone of the information displayed on the display unit and the setupinformation items according to at least one among the MP3 player modeselected by the mode input unit and an input from at least one of theinput keys.

According to still another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, an integrated digital device is provided including amode input unit selecting a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB)receiver mode among a plurality of modes in which different digitaldevice functions are performed, a receiver searching for and receiving aDMB signal, a display unit displaying the received DMB signal andinformation on a state of the DMB receiver mode, an input key unitreceiving information for changing the state of the DMB receiver modefrom a user.

According to yet another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, a digital device is provided comprising a screen onwhich a menu is displayed in a hierarchical structure. The digitaldevice includes a mode selector which selects one among a plurality ofmodes in which different functions are performed, a menu item selectorwhich selects a menu item in a first menu area among a plurality of menuareas displayed in the mode selected by the mode selector, and a displayunit which displays sub menu items of the menu item, which is selectedin the first menu area by the menu item selector, on a second menu areaset at a predetermined position of the screen as a sub area of the firstmenu area.

According to a further aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, a method of displaying a menu in a hierarchical structure isprovided. A mode is selected from a plurality of modes in whichdifferent functions are performed, a menu item in a first menu area isselected from a plurality of menu areas displayed in the selected mode,and sub menu items of the menu item are displayed, which is selected inthe first menu area, on a second menu area set at a predeterminedposition of a screen as a sub area of the first menu area.

According to yet a further aspect of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, a method of displaying an icon is provided. Iconswhich indicate a plurality of setup information items are displayed.Icons and characters which indicate screen state information on a screenin a shooting mode or a play mode of a digital device are alsodisplayed. All of the icons and the characters are deleted, except theicons which indicate the plurality of setup information items from thescreen in response to a first input command input by a user. Also, allof the remaining icons which indicate the plurality of setup informationitems from the screen in response to a second input command input by theuser are deleted.

According to still yet another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, a digital device including a display unit, an inputunit, and a modifier. The display unit displays icons which indicate aplurality of setup information items and icons and characters whichindicate screen state information on a screen in a shooting mode or aplay mode of a digital device. The input unit receives a first inputcommand to delete all of the icons and the characters except the iconswhich indicate the plurality of setup information items from the screenand a second input command to delete all of the remaining icons whichindicate the plurality of setup information items from the screen. Themodifier deletes all of the icons and the characters except the iconswhich indicate the plurality of setup information items from the screenin response to the first input command received by the input unit anddeletes all of the remaining icons which indicate the plurality of setupinformation items from the screen in response to the second inputcommand received by the input unit.

According to still yet a further aspect of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention, a device for displaying multimedia contents isprovided. The device includes a button signal input unit to receive abutton signal, a determiner to detect a duration while the button signalis input, a content extractor to extract multimedia contents indifferent numbers according to the duration, and a display unit todisplay thumbnails corresponding to the extracted multimedia contents.

According to an alternative aspect of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, a method of displaying multimedia contents isprovided. A button signal is received, a duration is detected while thebutton signal is input, multimedia contents are extracted in differentnumbers according to the duration, and thumbnails corresponding to theextracted multimedia contents are displayed.

Other objects, advantages, and salient features of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings,discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other exemplary objects, features and advantages ofcertain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be moreapparent from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows front and rear perspective views of an integrated digitaldevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed rear view of the integrated digital device shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an integrated digital device according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the changes in setup information or operation thatcan be controlled by an input key in various function modes of anintegrated digital device according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates functions of input keys and a screen display in adigital camera mode of an integrated digital device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates functions of input keys and a screen display in adigital camcorder mode of the integrated digital device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates functions of input keys and a screen display in adigital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) receiver mode of the integrateddigital device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 illustrates functions of input keys and a screen display in anMPEG layer 3 (MP3) player mode of the integrated digital deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates functions of input keys and a screen display in anaudio recorder mode of the integrated digital device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates functions of input keys and a screen display when aphotograph is printed in the digital camera mode of the integrateddigital device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 illustrates the change in setup information according to theoperation of an input key in the integrated digital device according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a state in which unnecessary input keys aredeactivated according to an operating mode of the integrated digitaldevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a procedure of removing content by operating inputkeys in the integrated digital device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a procedure of setting an image erase protection byoperating input keys in the digital camera mode of the integrateddigital device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate screens displayed when the integrated digitaldevice changes into the MP3 player mode, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a procedure of displaying the list of music contentsand playing music by operating input keys in the MP3 player mode of theintegrated digital device according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a method of generating a user playlist includingmusic titles preferred by a user in the MP3 player mode of theintegrated digital device according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates a procedure of playing an MP3 file on a userplaylist in the MP3 player mode of the integrated digital deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates a procedure of deleting an item from a user playlistin the MP3 player mode of the integrated digital device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates a screen showing that signals of broadcastingchannels are searched for when the DMB receiver mode is initiallyselected in the integrated digital device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates a screen on which a broadcasting channel output lasttime is output when the DMB receiver mode is selected in the integrateddigital device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 23 illustrates a procedure of changing a channel using directionkeys in the DMB receiver mode of the integrated digital device accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates a method of registering a favorite channel and amethod of shifting to a favorite channel using input keys in the DMBreceiver mode of the integrated digital device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates a procedure in which the display of a channel listis changed using input keys in the DMB receiver mode of the integrateddigital device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 26 illustrates screens each showing a state of a broadcastingsignal received in the DMB receiver mode of the integrated digitaldevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of a digital device using a menu displaymethod, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of a method of displaying a menu according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 illustrates the graphical user interface (GUI) configuration ofa display unit in a digital device using the menu display method,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 30A through 30C illustrate screens displayed using the menudisplay method, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 31 is a block diagram of a digital device using an icon displaymethod, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a flow chart of an icon display method according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 illustrates screens in stages of the icon display method,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a block diagram of a device for displaying multimediacontent, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 illustrates a procedure of displaying thumbnails correspondingto multimedia contents, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 36 illustrates the shift of a cursor selecting a thumbnailcorresponding to a multimedia content, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 illustrates the shift of a cursor selecting a thumbnailcorresponding to a multimedia content, according to another exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 38 illustrates a procedure of displaying thumbnails correspondingto multimedia contents, according to another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 39 is a flowchart of a method of displaying multimedia contentsaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Throughout the drawings, the same drawing reference numerals will beunderstood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The matters defined in the description such as a detailed constructionand elements are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding ofthe embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, those of ordinary skillin the art will recognize that various changes and modification of theembodiments described herein can be made without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention. Also, descriptions of well-knownfunctions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1 shows front and rear perspective views 100 a and 100 b of anintegrated digital device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

The integrated digital device 100 is a multifunction device into which adigital camera, a digital camcorder, a digital multimedia broadcasting(DMB) receiver, an MPEG layer 3 (MP3) player, an audio recorder, auniversal serial bus (USB) storage, and a personal computer (PC) cameraare combined. The appearance of the integrated digital device 100 willbe described with reference to the front perspective view 100 a and therear perspective view 100 b. To change an operating mode of theintegrated digital device 100, a user operates a mode dial 110positioned at a side of the integrated digital device 100. The user canselect one among a digital camera mode 113, a digital camcorder mode114, a DMV receiver mode 112, an MP3 player mode 115, an audio recordermode 116, a USB storage mode 118, a PC camera mode 117, and a settingmode 111 by operating the mode dial 110.

Input keys 151, 152, 153, and 154 which allow a user to input differenttypes of setup information according to a mode selected by the operationof the mode dial 110 are disposed near a liquid crystal display (LCD)140 and particularly near portions 141 through 144 (FIG. 2) where iconsindicating setup information that can be set using the input keys 151through 154, respectively, are displayed on the LCD 140.

The user can move a pointer using a four-direction key 161 to select amenu item or a preferred content on a thumbnail screen.

The integrated digital device 100 also includes a USB port 136 connectedto a PC to function as USB storage, a direct current (DC) powerconnector 137, and a headphone connector 138. The rear side of theintegrated digital device 100 includes a menu button 162 displaying amenu screen for menu setting; the four-direction key 161 moving thepointer up, down, to the left, and to the right; and a speaker 170outputting sound. The top of the integrated digital device 100 includesa power button 131, a shutter button 132 used to take a digitalphotograph or video, a zoom button 133, and a microphone 134 forrecording audio. A sliding antenna for DMB reception may be provided onanother side of the integrated digital device 100. The integrateddigital device 100 also includes a camera lens 122 and a flash 121 onits front side.

The integrated digital device 100 is made to function as one among aplurality of digital devices by the mode dial 110. For example, when themode dial 110 is set to the digital camera mode 113, the input keys 151through 154 are set to be suitable for setting of digital camerafunctions. When the mode dial 110 is set to the DMB receiver mode 112,the input keys 151 through 154 are set to be suitable for setting of thefunctions of a DMB receiver. The functions of the input keys 151 through154 which are set differently according to a mode of the integrateddigital device 100 and display of the functions will be described withreference to FIG. 4 later.

FIG. 2 is a detailed rear view of the integrated digital device 100shown in FIG. 1.

A display 140 such as an LCD is positioned on the rear side of theintegrated digital device 100. The display includes the portions 141through 144 where icons indicating information set by the input keys 151through 154, respectively, are displayed and a portion 145 where variousicons indicating state information of a digital device; and the inputkeys 151 through 154 positioned in the vicinity of the portions 141through 144. The portions 141 through 144 where icons indicatinginformation set by the input keys 151 through 154, respectively, arepositioned in the vicinity of the input keys 151 through 154 so that auser can easily recognize what kind of information each of the inputkeys 151 through 154 is used to set. Also, symbolic icons which allowthe user to intuitively recognize a type of information set by each ofthe input keys 151 through 154 may be used so that the user can easilyuse the integrated digital device 100.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an integrated digital device 200 accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The integrated digital device 200 includes a mode input unit 210, aninput key unit 220, a modifier 230, an interface unit 240, a displayunit 250, a controller 260, a storage unit 270, and a receiver 280.

The mode input unit 210 selects one digital device function among aplurality of digital device functions combined into the integrateddigital device 200 and may be implemented by the mode dial 110 (FIGS. 1and 2). A user can set the integrated digital device 200 to a preferreddigital device function using the mode input unit 210. When the MP3player mode 115 is selected by the mode input unit 210, the display unit250 outputs a screen displaying information on a previously played MP3file. This operation will be described in detail with reference to FIG.16 later. When the DMB receiver mode 112 is selected by the mode inputunit 210, the receiver 280 searches for receivable DMB channels andreceives DMB signals.

The input key unit 220 is used to input setup information regarding mainfunctions or operating information with respect to each mode and toselect a sub mode in each mode, for example, a shooting mode or aplayback mode in the digital camera mode 113. The input key unit 220 maybe implemented by buttons. The user can make a list of stored MP3 filesdisplayed, activate a playlist mode in which a playlist of favorite MP3files is generated or changed, select a type of repeated playback, andselect a type of equalizer using the input key unit 220 in the MP3player mode 115. The user may also select a display type for a channellist, register a favorite channel, and shift to the favorite channel tobe played using the input key unit 220 in the DMB receiver mode 112.

The modifier 230 modifies setup information that can be controlled usingthe input key unit 220 according to an input of the mode input unit 210or an input of at least one input key unit 220. The modifier 230 alsomodifies setup information or operation corresponding to an input keyincluded in the input key unit 220 according to an input of anotherinput key included in the input key unit 220, and deactivates an inputkey that is not necessary in a current digital device mode. Also, themodifier 230 changes a state of the MP3 player mode 115 according toinformation transmitted from the input key unit 220 to change a state ofan MP3 file or to change a user playlist in the MP3 player mode 115. Themodifier 230 also changes a state of the DMB receiver mode 112 accordingto information transmitted from the input key unit 220 to change thestate of the DMB receiver mode 112 in the DMB receiver mode 112.

The interface unit 240 generates icons indicating setup informationcorresponding to input keys, which will be displayed on the display unit250 according to setup information or operations controlled using theinput key unit 220 modified by the modifier 230. The interface unit 240also generates icons indicating attributes of an MP3 file, iconsindicating the state of the MP3 player mode 115, and icons indicatingthe state of the DMB receiver mode 112, and transmits the icons to thedisplay unit 250.

The display unit 250 displays the icons indicating the setup informationor operations controlled by the input key unit 220 and various iconsindicating state information of the integrated digital device 200.

The controller 260 controls the integrated digital device 200 accordingto setup information that has been set by the mode input unit 210 andthe key input unit 220. The storage unit 270 stores the setupinformation and contents such as images, moving pictures, and music tobe displayed on the display unit 250.

In FIG. 3, various components include, but are not limited to, softwareor hardware components, such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)or Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), which performcertain tasks. The components may advantageously be configured to resideon the addressable storage media and configured to execute on one ormore processors. The functionality provided for in the components andmodules may be combined into fewer components and modules or furtherseparated into additional components and modules.

FIG. 4 illustrates the changes in setup information or operation thatmay be controlled by an input key in various function modes of theintegrated digital device 100, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

When the mode dial 110 of the integrated digital device 100 is set tothe digital camera mode 113, the display 140 changes into a screen 410.Various icons indicating state information of the integrated digitaldevice 100 operating as a digital camera are displayed. Also, icons 415,416, 417, and 418 indicating main functions of the digital camera, whichcan be controlled using the input keys 151 through 154, respectively,are displayed near the input keys 151 through 154 on the display 140.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the integrateddigital device 100 is set to the digital camera mode 113, a shootingmode is set as displayed on the screen 410. When the first input key 151is pressed in the shooting mode, the shooting mode is converted into aplayback mode of a digital camera. When the first input key 151 ispressed in the playback mode, the playback mode is converted into theshooting mode. The icon 415 corresponding to the first input key 151indicates whether the integrated digital device 100 is in the shootingmode or the playback mode in the digital camera mode 113.

The second input key 152 sets and cancels a flash mode. The third inputkey 153 sets and cancels a close-up shooting mode. The fourth input key154 turns on or turns off a self-timer. Here, the icons 415 through 418displayed on an LCD symbolically indicate information and operationscontrolled by the input keys 151 through 154, respectively.

When the mode dial 110 of the integrated digital device 100 is set tothe digital camcorder mode 114, the display 140 changes into a screen420. In the digital camcorder mode 114, the first input key 151 sets aplayback mode or a shooting mode of a digital camcorder. The secondinput key 152 sets automatic exposure according to a program. The thirdinput key 153 sets white balance. The fourth input key 154 selects oneeffect from various digital effects which change the color tone of arecorded video. Preferably, icons 425 through 428 displayed on an LCDsymbolically indicate information and operations controlled by the inputkeys 151 through 154, respectively.

When the mode dial 110 of the integrated digital device 100 is set tothe DMB receiver mode 112, the display 140 changes into a screen 430. Inthe DMB receiver mode 112, the first input key 151 sets one amongvarious modes in which a channel list is displayed. The second input key152 registers or selects a first favorite channel. The third input key153 registers or selects a second favorite channel. The fourth input key154 registers or selects a third favorite channel. Here, icons 435through 438 displayed on an LCD symbolically indicate information andoperations controlled by the input keys 151 through 154, respectively.

When the mode dial 110 of the integrated digital device 100 is set tothe MP3 player mode 115, the display 140 changes into a screen 440. Thefirst input key 151 selects a display showing a playback state of asingle music title or a display showing a list of stored music titles.The second input key 152 selects whether to show a playlist made by auser. The third input key 153 selects one among a plurality of repeatedplayback modes. The fourth input key 154 selects one among a pluralityof equalizers. Preferably, icons 445 through 448 displayed on an LCDsymbolically indicate information and operations controlled by the inputkeys 151 through 154, respectively. Also, when the user presses thesecond input key 152 and the playlist made by the user is displayed, thefourth input key 154 is modified to execute a function of deleting anitem from the playlist.

When the mode dial 110 of the integrated digital device 100 is set tothe audio recorder mode 116, the display 140 changes into a screen 450.The first input key 151 displays a list of recorded audio files. Thesecond input key 152 selects one among a plurality of repeated playbackmodes. The third input key 153 sets or cancels a file erase protection.The fourth input key 154 deletes a file. Here, icons 455 through 458displayed on an LCD symbolically indicate information and operationscontrolled by the input keys 151 through 154, respectively.

When the mode dial 110 of the integrated digital device 100 is set tothe PC camera mode 117, a message instructing a user to connect a USBcable appears on the display 140. When the USB cable is connected, thedisplay 140 changes into a screen 460. In the PC camera mode 117, theintegrated digital device 100 can be used as a web camera when it isconnected to a PC through the USB cable. Since the input keys 151through 154 are not necessary in the PC camera mode 117, they can bedeactivated by removing corresponding icons from the screen 460. Thisoperation is also applied to the storage mode 118 and the setting mode111.

When the mode dial 110 of the integrated digital device 100 is set tothe storage mode 118, a message instructing a user to connect a USBcable appears on the display 140. When the USB cable is connected, thedisplay 140 changes into a screen 470. In the storage mode 118, theintegrated digital device 100 can be used as a high-capacity storagemedium.

When the mode dial 110 of the integrated digital device 100 is set tothe setting mode 111, the display 140 changes into a screen 480. In thesetting mode 111, various kinds of environmental information can be setfor a digital device. On the screen 480, the brightness of an LCD isadjusted in the setting mode 111.

The functions of the input keys 151 through 154 in each mode of theintegrated digital device 100 will be described in detail with referenceto FIGS. 5 through 10.

FIG. 5 illustrates the functions of the input keys 151 through 154 andscreen display in the digital camera mode 113 of the integrated digitaldevice 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

When the integrated digital device 100 is set to the digital camera mode113 by the operation of the mode dial 110, the integrated digital device100 enters the shooting mode as shown on a screen 510 and main functionsrequired for shooting are allocated to the input keys 151 through 154.As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the first input key 151makes a transition between the shooting mode and the playback mode. Thesecond input key 152 sets a flash to one of various light emissionstates such as “automatic” and “red-eye reduction.” The third input key153 sets or cancels close-up shooting. The fourth input key 154 sets astate of a self-timer.

When a user presses the first input key 151, the shooting mode on thescreen 510 is changed into the playback mode on a screen 520 and mainfunctions of the playback mode are newly allocated to the second throughfourth input keys 152 through 154. In detail, the second input key 152sets or cancels a slide show. The third input key 153 sets or cancels animage erase protection. The fourth key 154 deletes an image. The imageerase protection is a function for preventing an image from beingdeleted accidentally. When transition from the shooting mode to theplayback mode is made in the digital camera mode 113, icons 515 through518 which correspond to the input keys 151 through 154 are alsoconverted to icons 525 through 528 suitable to the playback mode.

As described above, in the integrated digital device 100, functionsallocated to the input keys 151 through 154 vary with functional modes.In addition, the operation of at least one input key may bring thefunctions allocated to the other input keys to be modified in onefunctional mode.

FIG. 6 illustrates the functions of the input keys 151 through 154 andscreen display in the digital camcorder mode 114 of the integrateddigital device 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

When the integrated digital device 100 is set to the digital camcordermode 114 by the operation of the mode dial 110, the integrated digitaldevice 100 enters the shooting mode as shown on a screen 610 and mainfunctions required for video shooting are allocated to the input keys151 through 154. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the firstinput key 151 makes transition between the shooting mode and theplayback mode. The second input key 152 selects one of various automaticexposure modes according to programs such as “automatic”, “sports”,“spotlight”, and “sand/snow”. The third input key 153 selects one ofvarious white balance modes such as “automatic”, “daylight”, “cloudy”,and “tungsten”. The fourth input key 154 selects one of various digitaleffects applied to the color tone of an image.

When a user presses the first input key 151, the shooting mode on thescreen 610 is changed into the playback mode on a screen 620 and mainfunctions of the playback mode are newly allocated to the second throughfourth input keys 152 through 154. In the playback mode shown on thescreen 620, the second input key 152 sets a playback option for a storevideo. The third input key 153 sets or cancels an image eraseprotection. The fourth key 154 deletes an image.

The playback option selected by the second input key 152 may be anoption of playing a single video file or an option of playing all videostarting from a position where the last playback was stopped.

When the first input key 151 is pressed in the playback mode on thescreen 620, the shooting mode returns to the screen 610. When transitionfrom the shooting mode to the playback mode is made in the digitalcamcorder mode 114, icons 615 through 618 which correspond to the inputkeys 151 through 154 are also converted to icons 625 through 628 whichare suitable to the playback mode.

FIG. 7 illustrates the functions of the input keys 151 through 154 andscreen display in the DMB receiver mode 112 of the integrated digitaldevice 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

When the integrated digital device 100 is set to the DMB receiver mode112 by the operation of the mode dial 110, the integrated digital device100 enters a basic play mode as shown on a screen 710 and main functionsrequired to play a broadcast are allocated to the input keys 151 through154. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the first input key151 selects one among channel list options such as “delete channellist”, “full channel list, “video channel list”, and “audio channellist”. In the basic play mode on the screen 710, the second, third andfourth input keys 152, 153, and 154 register or select first, second andthird favorite channels, respectively. The functions allocated to thefirst through fourth input keys 151 through 154 are the same in all playmodes respectively shown on screens 710, 720, 730, and 740. However,favorite channels registered in the second through fourth input keys 152through 154 may be the same or different between all of the play modesshown on the screens 710 through 740.

A user can remove a channel list as shown on the screen 710, display afull channel list as shown on the screen 720, display only a videochannel list as shown on the screen 730, or display only an audiochannel list as shown on the screen 740 by pressing the first input key151. The types of channel list displays may be rotationally changed oneby one when the first input key 151 is pressed once.

A favorite channel can be registered by continuously pressing down oneof the second through fourth input keys 152 through 154 while abroadcast is received. Meanwhile, when one of the second through fourthinput keys 152 through 154 is quickly pressed, a current channel ischanged to a favorite channel that has been registered in the pressedinput key.

FIG. 8 illustrates the functions of the input keys 151 through 154 andscreen display in the MP3 player mode 115 of the integrated digitaldevice 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

When the integrated digital device 100 is set to the MP3 player mode 115by the operation of the mode dial 110, the integrated digital device 100enters a playback mode as shown on a screen 810 and main functionsrequired to play a music file are allocated to the input keys 151through 154. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the firstinput key 151 selects an option for displaying a list of playable musiccontents in the playback mode. The second input key 152 selects auser-made playlist of music contents. The third input key 153 sets arepeated playback mode. The fourth input key 154 sets an equalizer. Whena user presses the first input key 151 in the basic playback mode shownon the screen 810, a list of music contents that can be played isdisplayed on a screen 820. Here, the functions allocated to the firstthrough fourth input keys 151 through 154 correspond to those in thebasic playback mode shown on the screen 810.

FIG. 9 illustrates the functions of the input keys 151 through 154 andscreen display in the audio recorder mode 116 of the integrated digitaldevice 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

When the integrated digital device 100 is set to the audio recorder mode116 by the operation of the mode dial 110, the integrated digital device100 enters an audio recording mode as shown on a screen 910 and mainfunctions required for audio recording are allocated to the input keys151 through 154. In the audio recording mode, the first input key 151makes a transition between the audio recording mode and a playback modein which recorded audio is played. The second input key 152 selects anoption for displaying a list of playable audio contents. The third inputkey 153 sets or cancels an erase protection. The fourth input key 154sets an equalizer.

When the shutter button 133 is pressed in the audio recording mode shownon the screen 910, audio recording starts. Once the shutter button 133is pressed again, the audio recording stops.

When the first input key 151 is pressed in the audio recording modeshown on the screen 910, the audio recording mode is converted to theplayback mode shown on a screen 920, in which a single audio content isplayed. Here, the second input key 152 is pressed, a list of storedaudio contents is displayed on a screen 930. When the first input key151 is pressed in the playback mode in which a single audio content isplayed with the screen 920 or a mode in which the list of the storedaudio contents is displayed while an audio content selected from thelist is played with the screen 930, the integrated digital device 100returns to the audio recording mode as shown on the screen 910.

FIG. 10 illustrates the functions of the input keys 151 through 154 andscreen display when a photograph is printed in the digital camera mode113 of the integrated digital device 100, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

When an image is printed in the digital camera mode 113, the integrateddigital device 100 provides a function of setting the number of copiesfor each image. The first input key 151 sends an image to an externalprinter. The second input key 152 sets whether to print a date and timewhen an image is printed. The third input key 153 increases the numberof copies. The fourth input key 154 decreases the number of copies.

FIG. 11 illustrates the change in setup information according to theoperation of an input key in an integrated digital device according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

When an image is shot in the digital camera mode 113, an icon 1116corresponding to the second input key 152 on a screen 1110 indicatesthat a flash function has been activated. Here, a flash mode can bechanged by pressing the second input key 152. An icon 1126 correspondingto the second input key 152 on a screen 1120 indicates that the flashfunction has been deactivated. As described above, in the integrateddigital device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, a user can easily change setup information for the operationof a digital device just through the simple manipulation of an inputkey.

FIG. 12 illustrates a state in which unnecessary input keys aredeactivated according to an operating mode of an integrated digitaldevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a procedure of setting an erase protection for animage among a plurality of images displayed on a thumbnail screen usingan input key. When a user presses the third input key 153 on a screen1210, a sub menu 1219 is popped up and the user can select a preferredmenu item using the four-direction key 161 (FIGS. 1 and 2). To set anerase protection state for an image, a “Select” item is selected. Whenthe “Select” item is selected, an icon 1227 corresponding to the thirdinput key 153 blinks to indicate that a mode allowing the user to selectan image to be set to the erase protection state has been entered on ascreen 1220. Here, since the other input keys 151, 152, and 154 are notnecessary, their corresponding icons 1215, 1216, and 1218 are removedfrom the screen 1220 to indicate that the input keys 151, 152, and 154have been deactivated.

When an image is selected on the thumbnail screen and deleted, iconscorresponding to input keys other than an input key performing deletionmay be removed from the screen to indicate that the other input keys aredeactivated.

If there is no stored music file in the MP3 player mode 115, all iconscorresponding to the input keys 151 through 154 are removed to indicatethat all of the input keys 151 through 154 have been deactivated.

FIG. 13 illustrates a procedure of removing content by operating aninput key in an integrated digital device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

Pressing the fourth input key 154 is required to delete an audio contentin the audio recording mode 116. The fourth input key 154 is locatednear a delete icon 1318. When the fourth input key 154 is pressed on ascreen 1310 illustrating a list of recorded audio contents, a sub menuis popped up and a user can select a “Select” item 1329 on a screen1320. When the “Select” item is selected, a blinking delete icon 1338corresponding to the fourth input key 154 appears on a screen 1330 toindicate that a mode in which an image to be deleted can be selected hasbeen entered. Since the other input keys 151 through 153 are notnecessary, their corresponding icons are removed from the screen 1330 toindicate that the input keys 151 through 153 have been deactivated. Whena content 1339 is selected to be deleted on the screen 1330, an icon1349 is displayed next to the selected content on a screen 1340 toindicate that the selected content is to be deleted. When the fourthinput key 154 corresponding to the blinking delete icon 1338 is pressedby the user after completing the selection, the integrated digitaldevice asks the user to confirm the deletion of the selected content ona screen 1350. When the user confirms the deletion, the selected contentis deleted from the integrated digital device while a screen 1360 isdisplayed. A screen 1370 appears when the deletion is completed. Ascreen 1380 shows the list of audio contents after the deletion.

FIG. 14 illustrates a procedure of setting an image erase protection byoperating an input key in the digital camera mode 113 of an integrateddigital device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

When a zoom out function is performed by operating the zoom button 134in the playback mode of the digital camera mode 113, a thumbnail screendisplaying brief information of images stored in the integrated digitaldevice appears.

A user can press the input key 153 near an erase protection icon 1417 toset an image to an erase protection state on the thumbnail screen in thedigital camera mode 113. When the input key 153 is pressed on a screen1410, a sub menu is popped up and the user can select a “Select” item1429 on a screen 1420 using the four-direction key 161. When the“Select” item 1429 is selected, a blinking erase protection icon 1437corresponding to the input key 153 appears on a screen 1430 to indicatethat a selection mode in which an image to be set to the eraseprotection state can be selected has been entered. Here, since the otherinput keys 151, 152, and 154 are not necessary, their correspondingicons are removed to indicate that the input keys 151, 152, and 154 havebeen deactivated.

When an image to be set to the erase protection state is selected, anerase protection icon 1449 appears on the selected image on a screen1440. When another image 1459 is also selected on a screen 1450, theerase protection icon 1449 also appears on the selected image 1459 on ascreen 1460. Thereafter, the input key 153 is pressed, the selectionmode ends and the selected images are set to the erase protection state(screens 1470 and 1480). A screen 1490 shows that the two selectedimages have been set to the erase protection state.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, anintegrated digital device can enter into a file browser mode through amenu. In the file browser mode, a user may search folders generated bytypes of contents to find a content to be played among various types ofcontents. For example, images taken in the digital camera mode 113 maybe stored in a picture folder; videos taken in the digital camcordermode 114 may be stored in a video folder, a list of receivable DMBchannels may be stored in a DMB channel folder; and MP3 files may bestored in a music folder. When a user selects the file browser mode,folders respectively storing different types of contents are displayed.If the user selects a particular video in the video folder, the selectedvideo is played. If the user selects a particular MP3 file in the musicfolder, the selected MP3 file is played. If the user selects aparticular channel in the DMB channel folder, a DMB signal of theselected channel is received and displayed.

When an integrated digital device according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention is set to the MP3 player mode 115 by theoperation of the mode dial 110, an LCD displays information on an MP3file that was played last time. FIG. 16 illustrates a screen of the MP3player mode in which the information on the MP3 file played last time isoutput. The screen of the MP3 player mode may include an icon 1610indicating the MP3 player mode and an information item (“current filenumber/the number of all MP3 files”) 1650 indicating a place of acurrent file in stored MP3 files. The screen of the MP3 player mode mayalso include an icon 1620 indicating a type of memory storing thecurrent MP3 file, an icon 1630 indicating the charge state of a battery,the icons 445 through 448 respectively indicating current functions ofthe respective input keys 151 through 154, and detailed informationitems 1661 through 1666 regarding the current MP3 file.

In the MP3 player mode 115, the first input key 151 selects whether todisplay detailed information on an MP3 file played currently or whetherto display a list of all stored MP3 files. The second input key 152selects whether to enter a mode in which a playlist defined by a usercan be changed. The third input key 153 selects one repeated playbackmode among “no repeat”, “repeat one, “repeat group”, “repeat all”, and“repeat random”. The fourth input key 154 selects one equalizer modeamong “normal”, “pop”, “jazz”, and “classic”. Meanwhile, when a playlistdisplay mode is entered by the second input key 152, the fourth inputkey 154 functions as a delete key which deletes an MP3 file on aplaylist.

Detailed information on an MP3 file includes a name 1662 of the MP3file, an erase protection icon 1661 indicating whether the MP3 file hasbeen set to an erase protection state, information 1663 indicating thefrequency and the bit rate of the MP3 file, a bar 1664 indicating acurrent playback position of the MP3 file, an icon 1665 indicating aplayback state, such as “play” or “stop”, of the MP3 file, and a counter1666 indicating a current play time in a total play time of the MP3file. An integrated digital device according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention memorizes a stop position of an MP3 file playedlast time. Thereafter, when the MP3 player mode 115 is selected again,the integrated digital device enters into the MP3 playback mode. In thisstate, if a user presses an OK button provided at the center of thefour-direction key 161, the MP3 file is played starting from the laststop position.

The user can control the level of volume by pressing up and down buttonsof the four-direction key 161 while the MP3 file is being played. Thelevel of volume may be displayed in a form 1670.

Meanwhile, when a user initially selects the MP3 player mode 115 afterdownloading an MP3 file in the integrated digital device, a first MP3file in a highest folder is selected among MP3 files stored in theintegrated digital device and a screen as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed.If there is no stored MP3 file when the user selects the MP3 player mode115 by operating the mode dial 110, the integrated digital deviceoutputs a message 1640 reporting that there is no stored MP3 file on ascreen, as shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 illustrates a procedure of displaying the list of music contentsand playing music by operating input keys in the MP3 player mode 115 ofan integrated digital device according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

When the first input key 151 is pressed while an MP3 file is played orstopped on a screen 1710, the screen 1710 is converted to a screen 1720displaying a list of stored MP3 files. On the screen 1720, a mark 1722indicating that a file is being played is displayed in front of the nameof a file that is currently being played on the list and a highlight ispositioned on the file name. Accordingly, a user can recognize from thescreen 1720 that a currently played MP3 file is “Everytime.mp3” in a“POP” folder 1721. When the user selects another MP3 file 1723 using theup and down buttons of the four-direction key 161 on a screen 1730displaying the list of MP3 files and then presses the OK button at thecenter of the four-direction key 161, the screen 1730 is converted to ascreen 1740 displaying detailed information on the selected MP3 file andsimultaneously the selected MP3 file is played. Meanwhile, when the userpresses the up or down button of the four-direction key 161 while an MP3file is stopped, a previous or subsequent MP3 file is played and ascreen displaying information on it appears. For example, when the userpresses the down button of the four-direction key 161 while the file“Everytime.mp3” is stopped on the screen 1710, a subsequent file“Toxic.mp3” on the list is played on a screen 1740.

In addition, when the user presses the left or right button of thefour-direction key 161 for at least three seconds while an MP3 file isbeing played, the MP3 file is played in fast reverse of forward. Whenthe user presses the left or right button of the four-direction key 161for at least three seconds while an MP3 file is stopped, the user canquickly search MP3 files backward or forward.

FIG. 18 illustrates a method of generating a user playlist includingmusic titles preferred by a user in the MP3 player mode 115 of anintegrated digital device according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

When a user presses the second input key 152 while an MP3 file is beingplayed or stopped on a screen 1810 or while a file list screen isdisplayed, a playlist screen 1820 appears with a highlighted item “Add alist” 1822 at the end of a playlist. On the playlist screen 1820, anicon 1821 indicating a playlist mode is displayed at the top and thefourth input key 154 is modified to perform deletion.

When the OK button is pressed while the “Add a list” 1822 ishighlighted, the playlist screen 1820 is converted to a screen 1830displaying a list of stored MP3 files so that the user can select a fileto be added to the playlist. Here, an MP3 file that was played last timeis highlighted on the screen 1830. When the user locates a highlight1831 on an MP3 file to be added to the playlist using the up and downbuttons of the four-direction key 161 and then presses the OK button,the highlighted MP3 file is added to the playlist. Referring to FIG. 18,the user selects an MP3 file “Toxic.mp3” in the “POP” folder on thescreen 1830. A screen 1840 shows that an item 1841 of “Toxic.mp3” hasbeen added to the playlist.

FIG. 19 illustrates a procedure of playing an MP3 file on a userplaylist in the MP3 player mode 115 of an integrated digital deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Playingan MP3 file on a user playlist screen is similar to playing an MP3 fileon a file list screen. When a user presses the second input key 152 inthe MP3 player mode 115, a playlist screen 1910 comprising a highlight“Add a list” item 1822 appears. A screen 1920 shows a state where theuser selects an item 1921 of an MP3 file to be played by moving ahighlight using the four-direction key 161. When the item 1921 isselected, the screen 1920 is converted into a play mode screen 1930 andthe selected MP3 file is played. Here, a mark 1931 indicating that thecurrent MP3 file has been registered in the user playlist is displayedin front of information on the current MP3 file.

FIG. 20 illustrates a procedure of deleting an item from a user playlistin the MP3 player mode 115 of an integrated digital device according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

A user playlist screen 2010 appears when a user presses the second inputkey 152 in the MP3 player mode 115. Thereafter, when the user pressesthe fourth input key 154 on a screen 2020, a sub menu is popped up on ascreen 2030. When a “Select” item 2031 is selected, the icon 449corresponding to the fourth input key 154 blinks to indicate that theuser can select an item to be deleted from the user playlist on a screen2040. When the user selects an item to be deleted and presses the OKbutton, an icon 2051 indicating that a corresponding item will bedeleted appears in front of the selected item on a screen 2050. When theuser presses the fourth input key 154 again, the selection of the itemis completed and a message for confirming the deletion of the selecteditem appears on a screen 2060. When the user confirms the deletion, theselected item is deleted from the user playlist on a screen 2070. Ascreen 2080 shows the user playlist from which the selected item hasbeen deleted. Here, an actual MP3 file corresponding to the item deletedfrom the playlist is not actually erased from the integrated digitaldevice but just disappears from the user playlist.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when anintegrated digital device is set to the DMB receiver mode 112 by theoperation of the mode dial 110, the integrated digital device outputs aDMB signal of a broadcasting channel that was previously output. FIG. 22illustrates a screen on which the previous broadcasting channel isoutput in the DMB receiver mode 112. The screen of the DMB receiver mode112 may include an icon 2110 indicating a current mode is the DMBreceiver mode, an information item 2110 regarding a current DMB channel,an icon 2220 indicating the intensity of a current DMB signal, an icon2230 indicating the charge state of a battery, the icon 435 indicatingthe type of channel list to be displayed on a screen, and the icons 436through 438 corresponding to the second through fourth input keys 152through 154 that register favorite channels, respectively. The icon 435corresponding to the first input key 151 may be changed according to thetype of channel list selected by pressing the first input key 151. Thisoperation will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 25.

A user can control a volume level by pressing the up and down buttons ofthe four-direction key 161 while a DMB signal is being output. Thevolume level may be displayed in a form 2240.

When the DMB receiver mode 112 is selected, a screen illustrating thatthe integrated digital device finds a receivable channel list, searchesfor broadcasting signals of channels included in the receivable channellist in order of alphabet, and outputs a broadcasting signal of achannel coming first in order of alphabet. However, the channel searchorder is not restricted to the alphabetical order but may be determinedby a manufacturer of the integrated digital device or broadcastingpolicy. FIG. 21 illustrates a screen displayed while signals ofbroadcasting channels are searched for in the integrated digital deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The icon2110 indicates that a current mode is the DMB receiver mode 112 and abox 2120 shows the integrated digital device is searching for abroadcasting channel to be output.

FIG. 23 illustrates a procedure of changing a channel using thefour-direction key 161 in the DMB receiver mode 112 of an integrateddigital device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

In the integrated digital device, a user can change a DMB channel usingthe four-direction key 161 while a DMB signal is output. For example,when the user presses the right button of the four-direction key 161while watching KBS1 TV (2210) on a screen 2310, the integrated digitaldevice searches for a signal of a broadcasting channel following theKBS1 TV (2210) on a channel list on a screen 2320. A screen 2330 shows astate in which a signal of KBS2 TV (2210) is received and output.

FIG. 24 illustrates a method of registering a favorite channel and amethod of shifting to a favorite channel using input keys in the DMBreceiver mode 112 of an integrated digital device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

When a user quickly presses the second input key 152 while watching aKBS1 TV channel on a screen 2410, the screen 2410 is shifted to a screen2420 of a first favorite channel registered in the second input key 152.When there is no favorite channel registered in the second input key152, a message reporting that there is no favorite channel registered tothe second input key 152 may be output. This operation is also appliedto the third and fourth input keys 153 and 154. Accordingly, whilewatching a broadcasting channel, the user can easily shift to a favoritechannel that he or she has registered through a simple operation ofpressing one of the second through fourth input keys 152 through 154.

If the user continuously presses one of the second through fourth inputkeys 152 through 154 while watching the KBS1 TV channel, the KBS1 TVchannel is registered in the pressed input key as a favorite channel ona screen 2430.

FIG. 25 illustrates a procedure in which the display of a channel listis changed using an input key in the DMB receiver mode 112 of anintegrated digital device according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

In the DMB receiver mode 112 of the integrated digital device accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first input key151 is used to select a display type of channel list. When theintegrated digital device is set to the DMB receiver mode 112 by theoperation of the mode dial 110, a screen 2510 outputting a broadcastingchannel that was output last time appears in the integrated digitaldevice, as described above with reference to FIG. 22. Here, the icon 435corresponding to the first input key 151 indicates that the channel listis not displayed.

When a user presses the first input key 151, a list of all receivablevideo and audio broadcasting channels is displayed on a screen 2520. Theicon 435 on the screen 2520 indicates that a displayed list includes allof the receivable video and audio broadcasting channels. If the userpresses the first input key 151 on the screen 2520, a list of videochannels is displayed on a screen 2530. If the user presses the firstinput key 151 on the screen 2530, a list of audio channels is displayedon a screen 2540. If the user presses the first input key 151 on thescreen 2540, the integrated digital device returns to the initial screen2510 that does not display any channel list. The order in which the typeof channel list changes is just an example and it is apparent to thoseskilled in the art that the type of channel list may change in otherorders. The icon 435 on the screen 2530 indicates that a videobroadcasting channel list is displayed and the icon 435 on the screen2540 indicates that an audio broadcasting channel list is displayed.

FIG. 26 illustrates screens which each illustrate a state of abroadcasting signal received in the DMB receiver mode 112 of anintegrated digital device according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

The integrated digital device outputs messages reporting problems when areceived broadcasting signal is weak or has a problem. For example, whena received broadcasting signal has a format that is not supported by theintegrated digital device, the integrated digital device outputsmessages reporting problems of the broadcasting signal as shown onscreens 2610 and 2620. Meanwhile, the icon 2220 informs a user of theintensity of a broadcasting signal by changing the number of verticalbars according to the intensity of the broadcasting signal.

The icons indicating the states of the integrated digital device are notrestricted to particular shapes described above but may have any othersymbolical shapes that can express corresponding information.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of an integrated digital device using a menudisplay method, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

The integrated digital device may include a mode selector 2710, a menuitem selector 2720, a display unit 2730, a controller 2740, and astorage unit 2750.

The mode selector 2710 selects one among a plurality of modes in whichdifferent functions are performed. The mode selector 2710 may beimplemented by a mode dial and may allow a user to convert theintegrated digital device to a preferred digital device. The user mayselect one mode from the plurality of modes such as a digital cameramode, a digital camcorder mode, a DMB receiver mode, an MP3 player mode,an audio recorder mode, a USB storage mode, and a PC camera mode in theintegrated digital device.

The menu item selector 2720 allows the user to select one menu item ineach of a plurality of menu areas displayed in a mode selected by themode selector 2710.

The display unit 2730 displays icons indicating setup information oroperations controlled by input keys and various icons corresponding tothe menu items indicating state information of the integrated digitaldevice. Also, the display unit 2730 outputs sub menu items of a menuitem selected by the menu item selector 2720 in a first menu area amongthe plurality of menu areas to a second menu area set at a predeterminedposition as a sub area of the first menu area on a screen. Here, eachmenu area is not interpreted in a dynamic concept but is considered as aphysically fixed area. For example, the first menu area is fixed, andwhen each menu item in the first menu area is selected, correspondingsub menu items are displayed in the second menu area that is physicallyfixed. Substantially, a menu item selected in the first menu area ismoved to a predetermined position except positions of menu items at bothends of the first menu area and sub menu items of the selected menu itemare displayed in the second menu area fixed below the predeterminedposition.

Meanwhile, the display unit 2730 includes a graphical user interface(GUI) displayed on a display device such as an LCD. The GUI may bedivided into several areas. These areas will be described with referenceto FIG. 29. FIG. 29 illustrates the GUI configuration of a display unitin an integrated digital device using a menu display method, accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

A mode display area 2902 displays a mode selected by a user from aplurality of modes in which different functions are performed. In FIG.29, the mode display area 2902 displays that the digital camera mode isselected.

A first menu area 2904 displays main menu items of a selected mode in anupper portion of the GUI at predetermined intervals in a horizontaldirection. The main menu items are expressed by alphabet characters Athrough F on one screen in FIG. 30A. When one main menu item in thefirst menu area 2904 is selected by the menu item selector 2720, thedisplay unit 2730 enlarges the selected main menu item and changes thebrightness in the first menu area 2904.

The main menu items in the first menu area 2904 are displayed in a formof icons indicating properties of the respective main menu items.

A second menu area 2908 displays sub menu items, which belong to themain menu item selected in the first menu area 2904, and has a fixedposition as a sub area of the first menu area 2904 on the screen. Inparticular, the second menu area 2908 is positioned below a particularposition among positions of the main menu items. The exceptions are thetwo main menu items at the left and right ends of the first menu area2904. In other words, when a main menu item in the first menu area 2904is selected, the selected main menu item is shifted to the particularposition in the first menu area 2904 and sub menu items of the main menuitem are arranged below the particular position in a vertical direction.

Accordingly, the selected main menu item is shifted to the particularposition regardless of its original position in the first menu area 2904and its sub menu items are displayed below the fixed particularposition. The selected main menu is always shifted to and located atthis fixed particular position. The left and right end positions formain menus in the first menu area 2904 are not suitable for the fixedparticular position because information of sub menu items may be hiddenand not shown at the left or right end of the second menu area 2908positioned below the fixed particular position.

A menu name area 2906 is positioned between the first menu area 2904 andthe second menu area 2908 to display the name of a main menu selected inthe first menu area 2904. An auxiliary menu area 2910 is defined at thebottom of the GUI.

The controller 2740 controls the integrated digital device according tosetup information set by the mode selector 2710 and input keys. Also,the controller 2740 generates icons indicating setup informationcorresponding to the input keys and icons indicating menu items andoutputs the generated icons to the display unit 2730 so that the displayunit 2730 displays them.

The storage unit 2750 stores the setup information and contents such asimages, video, and audio to be displayed on the display unit 2730.

In FIG. 27, various components include, but are not limited to, softwareor hardware components, such as a Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)or Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), which performcertain tasks. The components may advantageously be configured to resideon the addressable storage media and configured to execute on one ormore processors. The functionality of the components and modules may becombined into fewer components and modules or further separated intoadditional components and modules.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of a method of displaying a menu according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In the menu displaying method, one menu is selected from a plurality ofmodes in which different functions are performed in operation S2802.

One menu item is selected in the first menu area 2904 among a pluralityof menu areas displayed in the selected mode in operation S2804. Submenu items of the menu item selected in the first menu area 2904 aredisplayed in the second menu area 2908 defined at a predeterminedposition as a sub area of the first menu area 2904 on a screen inoperation S2806. For example, when each of the menu items is selected inthe first menu area 2904, sub menu items corresponding to the selectedmenu item are always displayed in the second menu area 2908 whoseposition is fixed on the screen. As described above, the second menuarea 2908 is positioned below a particular position among positions ofthe main menu items except two main menu items at the left and rightends of the first menu area 2904.

When a menu item is selected in the first menu area 2904, the selectedmenu item may be enlarged and brighter or darker than any other menuitems in the first menu area 2904 to allow a user to easily recognizethe menu item that has been selected. Each of the menu items in thefirst menu area 2904 may be displayed in a form of an icon indicatingthe property of the menu item.

The above-described method of displaying a menu will be described indetail with reference to FIGS. 30A through 30C, which illustrate screensdisplayed according to the menu display method.

Referring to FIGS. 29 through 30C, in an integrated digital deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the firstmenu area 2904 extends in the horizontal direction so that menu itemsare arranged in a horizontal line. In this state, when each of the menuitems in the first menu area 2904 is sequentially selected by the menuitem selector 2720, sub menu items of the selected menu item are alwaysdisplayed in the second menu area 2908. For example, when any one of themenu items B, C, and D is selected, the selected menu item B, C, or D isalways shifted to the second place from the left in the first menu area2904, such as, the position of the menu item B shown in FIG. 30A and submenu items of the selected menu item B, C, or D are displayed below theposition of the selected menu item B, C, or D.

Referring to FIG. 30A, the menu item B is selected in the first menuarea 2904 and its sub menu items B1, B2, and B3 are displayed in thesecond menu area 2908. Referring to FIG. 30B, the menu item C selectedin the first menu area 2904 is shifted to the second place where themenu item B is positioned in FIG. 30A and its sub menu items C1, C2, andC3 are displayed in the second menu area 2908. Referring to FIG. 30C,the menu item D selected in the first menu area 2904 is shifted to thesecond place where the menu item B is positioned in FIG. 30A and its submenu items D1, D2, and D3 are displayed in the second menu area 2908.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram of an integrated digital device using an icondisplay method according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The integrated digital device using the icon display methodincludes a mode selector 3110, an input unit 3120, a modifier 3130, adisplay unit 3140, a controller 3150, and a storage unit 3160.

The mode selector 3110 selects one mode from a plurality of modes inwhich different functions are performed. The mode selector 3110 may beimplemented by a mode dial and allows a user to convert the integrateddigital device to a preferred digital device.

The display unit 3140 displays icons indicating a plurality of setupinformation items on a screen corresponding to a shooting mode or a playmode of the integrated digital device and icons and charactersindicating screen state information. The display unit 3140 may displaythe icons indicating the setup information items in a vertical directionalong the right edge of the screen.

The input unit 3120 receives a first input command for deleting allicons and characters except the icons indicating the setup informationitems from the screen, a second input command for deleting even theicons indicating the setup information items remaining on the screen,and a third input command for displaying again on the screen the iconsindicating the setup information items and the icons and charactersindicating the screen state information. When the input unit 3120receives the third input command, the display unit 3140 displays theicons indicating the setup information items and the icons andcharacters indicating the screen state information.

The modifier 3130 deletes all of the icons and characters except theicons indicating the setup information items from the screen in responseto the first input command received by the input unit 3120 and deletesthe icons indicating the setup information items remaining on the screenin response to the second input command received by the input unit 3120.

The first, second and third input commands are generated by one inputkey which is not implemented by hot keys (for example, 515 through 518or 614 through 618) displayed on the right side on the screen. One inputkey is implemented by a physically fixed input key like a display keythat is used as a fixed key and cannot be used as a hot key since itserves to turn on or off an on-screen display (OSD).

The controller 3150 controls the integrated digital device according tosetup information set by the mode selector 3110 and input keys. Also,the controller 3150 generates icons indicating setup informationcorresponding to input keys and transmits the icons to the display unit3140 so that the display unit 3140 displays the icons on the screen.

The storage unit 3150 stores the setup information and contents such asimages, video, and audio to be displayed on the display unit 3140.

A method of displaying icons according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention will be described in time order with reference to FIG.31, FIG. 32, and FIG. 33. FIG. 32 is a flow chart of an icon displaymethod according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 33 illustrates screens in stages of the icon display method,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The display unit 3140 displays icons 3302 indicating a plurality ofsetup information items on a screen 3310 corresponding to a shootingmode or a play mode of the integrated digital device and icons andcharacters indicating screen state information in operation S3202. Thescreen 3310 of FIG. 33 shows a picture at the center which is an object.Icons indicating the screen state information are arranged on the left,and the icons 3302 indicating the setup information items on the right.Here, the icons 3302 indicating the setup information items are arrangedin the vertical direction along the right edge of the screen 3310.

In operation S3204, the modifier 3130 deletes all icons and charactersexcept the icons 3302 from a screen 3320 in response to the first inputcommand input by a user. Since the icons 3302 corresponding to hot keysnecessary for shooting or playing provide important information onessential functions to the user, it is preferable to leave the icons3302 at the first stage rather than to delete all at one time.

In operation S3206, the modifier deletes the remaining icons 3302 from ascreen 3330 in response to the second input command input by the user.In other words, all icons and characters except the object are deletedso that the user can see the clear screen 3330 showing the object.

When the user wants a state of the screen 3310 inputs the third inputcommand, the display unit 3140 displays the icons 3302 and the icons andcharacters indicating screen state information in operation S3208. Inother words, the screen 3330 is converted to the screen 3310 when thethird input command is received.

As described above, the first, second and third input commands are inputusing one input key, which is implemented by a fixed key, such as, adisplay key in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram of a device for displaying multimediacontent, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.The device includes a storage unit 3410, a button signal input unit3420, a content extractor 3430, a controller 3440, a determiner 3450,and a display unit 3460.

The storage unit 3410 stores multimedia contents. The multimediacontents may include still images and moving images, such as, video.

In addition, the storage unit 3410 may include thumbnails correspondingto respective multimedia contents. Accordingly, the device may displaythe thumbnails as well as the multimedia contents.

For each multimedia content, information such as a file name, a createdtime, an access time, and a file size may be stored in the storage unit3410. The information may be changed by a user. The multimedia contentsmay be stored in order based on the information or in a particular orderset by the user. For example, the multimedia contents may be stored inorder based on one type of information selected by the user from thefile name, the created time, the access time, and the file size or maybe stored in a particular order set by the user.

The order in which the multimedia contents are stored is the order inwhich the multimedia contents are displayed. The device extracts anddisplays the thumbnails corresponding to the multimedia contents in thestored order.

A user can prevent a certain multimedia content from being searched byinserting information indicating no search into information on themultimedia content. For example, when multimedia contents aaa, bbb, ccc,ddd, and eee are stored in the storage unit 3410 and the multimediacontents bbb and ccc are set to “no search”, the device searches themultimedia contents aaa, ddd, and eee excluding the multimedia contentsbbb and ccc and extracts and displays the thumbnails corresponding tothe multimedia contents aaa, ddd, and eee.

The button signal input unit 3420 receives a button signal. The buttonsignal input unit 3420 may receive a button signal via a wired orwireless connection.

When a button is provided in the device, a button signal is generatedwhen the button is pressed and is transmitted to the button signal inputunit 3420. When a button is not provided in the device, a button signalmay be generated by a separate button connected to the device via acable and transmitted to the button signal input unit 3420 via thecable.

Alternatively, a button signal may be generated by a wireless unit suchas a remote control and transmitted to the button signal input unit 3420via propagation according to a predetermined wireless protocol.

For example, a button and the button signal input unit 3420 maycommunicate with each other using a wired communication method such asEthernet, USB, IEEE 1394, serial communication, or parallelcommunication or a wireless communication method such as infraredradiation, Bluetooth, home radio frequency (RF), or wireless local areanetwork (WLAN).

Here, the button signal may include information (for example, a codeindicating an arrow button) for performing a motion to search the storedmultimedia contents and may also include information indicating a timewhen the button is initially selected so that the device can recognizethe continuance of the button signal of the pressed button.

When a button is pressed by a user, a corresponding button signal isgenerated and transmitted to the button signal input unit 3420, and whenthe button is released by the user, the button signal stops and thetransmission of the button signal to the button signal input unit 3420also stops. When the button is continuously pressed, the button signalmay be generated at predetermined intervals. In this case, the devicemay recognize the operation as if the button is repeatedly pressed andreleased by the user.

Accordingly, when information on a time when a button is initiallypressed by a user is inserted into a button signal generated when thebutton is pressed, the device can determine whether a button signalcurrently received has been continued or newly generated. Instead of thetime information, a special code may be inserted into the button signal.A different code is generated according to a predetermined algorithm andis inserted to a button signal each time a button is pressed by a user.For example, when a user presses a button again after pressing andreleasing the button once, a different code is inserted into a buttonsignal. Accordingly, the device can determined that the button signal isnot continuous even though it is generated from the same button.

Also, a unique selection code and a unique release code may be set for abutton so that the device can detect a duration while the button iscontinuously pressed. For example, when a selection code of 0x01 and arelease code of 0x02 are allocated to a right arrow button, the devicecan determined that the right arrow button has been continuously pressedafter the code 0x01 is received until the code 0x02 is received.

When a switch type button is connected to the button signal input unit3420 via a cable, current may or may not flow according to a user'sselection of the button. In this situation, the device can detect aduration while the user selects the button based on a period of timewhile current flows continuously since it started flowing.

The button signal is transmitted to the controller 3440. The controller3440 confirms that an input signal is the button signal and transmits itto the determiner 3450.

The determiner 3450 determines the continuance of a button signal. Indetail, the determiner 3450 determines whether a button is continuouslyselected without being released, based on time information, a codegenerated according to a predetermined algorithm, selection and releasecodes allocated to the button, or start and end times of a current flowgenerated by the button of a switch type.

For example, when time information is inserted into a button signal, avalue of 13:59:58 (hour/minute/second) may be inserted into the buttonsignal as the time information. The button signal may be repeated inputto the device at predetermined intervals. Upon receiving the buttonsignal, the determiner 3450 identifies what button has generated thereceived button signal and checks the time information. Since the sametime information is inserted into the same button signal, the determiner3450 can determine that the button has been continuously selected whilethe button signal continuously includes the value of 13:59:58.

In addition, when a different code is generated according to apredetermined algorithm and inserted into a button signal whenever acorresponding button is newly pressed, the determiner 3450 can determinewhether the button is continuously selected by comparing a previouslyreceived code with a currently received code. Since a code allocated tothe button when the button is selected on one occasion is different froma code allocated to the button when the button is selected on anotheroccasion after being released, the determiner 3450 can determine whetherbutton signals repeatedly input corresponding to the button atpredetermined intervals are generated from the button that has beencontinuously selected.

Also, when current flows in response to the selection of a switch typebutton, the determiner 3450 can determine whether a button signal isgenerated by the button selected continuously based on whether currentflows continuously.

The determiner 3450 can detect a duration while a button is continuouslyselected starting from an initial selection of the button. Here,continuance may be divided into a plurality of levels according to theduration. For example, a duration of 3 seconds may be defined as a firstlevel; a duration of 5 second may be defined as a second level; and aduration of 7 seconds may be defined as a third level. Accordingly, atimer (not shown) reporting a time flow may be provided for the device.The determiner 3450 can detect a duration since a button is selectedusing the timer.

A duration or a continuance level corresponding to the duration, whichis detected by the determiner 3450, is transmitted to the controller3440, which transmits it to the content extractor 3430.

The content extractor 3430 extracts different numbers of multimediacontents from the storage unit 3410 according to the duration or thecontinuance level corresponding to the duration. For example, when theduration is less than 3 seconds or the continuance level is the firstlevel, the content extractor 3430 may extract a thumbnail correspondingto single multimedia content at one time. When the duration is at least3 seconds and less than 5 seconds or the continuance level is the secondlevel, the content extractor 3430 may extract four thumbnailsrespectively corresponding to four multimedia contents at one time. Whenthe duration is at least 5 seconds and less than 7 seconds or thecontinuance level is the third level, the content extractor 3430 mayextract nine thumbnails respectively corresponding to nine multimediacontents at one time.

Here, the content extractor 3430 may extract multimedia contentthumbnails according to the order in which the multimedia contents arestored in the storage unit 3410.

Meanwhile, the content extractor 3430 may extract multimedia contentthumbnails at different intervals according to the duration receivedfrom the controller 3440. For example, in a state in which themultimedia content thumbnails are extracted one by one, when theduration is less than 3 seconds or the continuance level is the firstlevel, the content extractor 3430 may repeatedly extract a multimediacontent thumbnail stored next to a current one. When the duration is atleast 3 seconds and less than 5 seconds or the continuance level is thesecond level, the content extractor 3430 may repeatedly extract amultimedia content thumbnail stored at the 10th place from a currentone. When the duration is at least 5 seconds and less than 7 seconds orthe continuance level is the third level, the content extractor 3430 mayrepeatedly extract a multimedia content thumbnail stored at the 100thplace from a current one.

The extracted multimedia content thumbnails are transmitted to thedisplay unit 3460 via the controller 3440.

The display unit 3460 is a module including an image display unit, suchas a cathode-ray tube (CRT), an LCD, a light-emitting diode (LED), anorganic LED (OLED), or a plasma display panel (PDP), and displays amultimedia content received from the controller 3440. The display unit3460 may be included in the device or may be implemented by a separatemodule which receives multimedia content thumbnails via a wired orwireless connection and displays the thumbnails.

FIG. 35 illustrates a procedure of displaying multimedia contentthumbnails, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. In stage S3510, a single multimedia content thumbnail 3515selected by a user is displayed on the display unit 3460.

Here, the user can search multimedia content thumbnails stored in thestorage unit 3410 using arrow buttons. For example, when a left arrowbutton is selected, a multimedia content thumbnail previously stored tothe current multimedia content thumbnail 3515 is displayed. When a rightarrow button 3500 is selected, a multimedia content thumbnail 3525 astored next to the current multimedia content thumbnail 3515 isdisplayed in stage S3520.

In stage S3520, the multimedia content thumbnail 3525 a is sequentiallydisplayed on the display unit 3460 according to the order in which themultimedia content thumbnails are stored in the storage unit 3410 whenthe right arrow button 3500 is continuously selected without beingreleased from stage S3510. While the right arrow button 3500 iscontinuously selected from stage S3510 exceeds a predeterminedthreshold, the display unit 3460 divides a screen into four sections anddisplays four multimedia content thumbnails on one screen 3535 in stageS3530.

When the duration of the continuous selection of the right arrow button3500 exceeds another predetermined threshold, the display unit 3460divides a screen into 9 sections and displays 9 multimedia contentthumbnails on one screen 3545 in stage S3540.

The 4 multimedia content thumbnails displayed on the screen 3535 mayinclude the multimedia content thumbnail 3525 b displayed immediatelybefore the divided screen 3535. In this case, multimedia contentthumbnails may be displayed considering the number of multimedia contentthumbnails to be displayed at one time and the order in which themultimedia content thumbnails are stored in the storage unit 3410.

For example, when a previous multimedia content thumbnail 3525 a hasbeen stored at the 22nd place in the storage unit 3410 and the currentscreen 3535 is divided into four sections to display the four multimediacontent thumbnails, the display unit 3460 may display a multimediacontent thumbnail 3537, which has been stored at a place correspondingto a value obtained by adding 1 to a multiple of 4, such as, a 21st(=4×5+1) place, at a first section positioned in an upper left of thescreen 3535.

Similarly, when a previous multimedia content thumbnail 3525 b has beenstored at the 22nd place in the storage unit 3410 and the current screen3545 is divided into 9 sections, the display unit 3460 may display amultimedia content thumbnail 3547, which has been stored at a placecorresponding to a value obtained by adding 1 to a multiple of 9, suchas, a 19th (=9×2+1) place, at a first section positioned in an upperleft of the screen 3545.

The number of sections into which a screen is divided by the displayunit 3460 may be different according to the image playback performanceof the display unit 3460 and may be limited by a user. For example, theuser can limit the number of sections in a screen to 9 or 16.

FIG. 36 illustrates the shift of a cursor 3690 selecting one thumbnailamong a plurality of multimedia content thumbnails S3620, S3630, S3640,S3650 displayed on one screen by the display unit 3460, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

When a right arrow button 3600 is continuously selected without beingreleased in a state in which a single multimedia content thumbnail isdisplayed, a multimedia content thumbnail 3615 a stored next to theprevious multimedia content thumbnail is displayed in stage S3610.

Thereafter, when a duration of continuously selecting the right arrowbutton 3600 exceeds a predetermined threshold in stage S3610, thedisplay unit 3460 divides a screen 3625 into four sections and displaysfour multimedia content thumbnails in stage S3620.

Here, one thumbnail 3615 b corresponding to the multimedia contentthumbnail 3615 a displayed immediately before the screen division can beselected among the four multimedia content thumbnails using the cursor3690.

When the right arrow button 3600 has been continuously selected, thecursor 3690 is continuously shifted in stages S3630 and S3640 accordingto the order in which the multimedia content thumbnails are stored. Whenthe right arrow button 3600 has been continuously selected in a state inwhich a last multimedia content thumbnail 3645 positioned on a lowerright side is selected by the cursor 3690, four other multimedia contentthumbnails including a multimedia content thumbnail 3655 stored next tothe last multimedia content thumbnail 3645 are displayed in stage S3650.

The shift of the cursor 3690 and screen transition proceed according tothe continuous selection of one arrow button. When the selection of thearrow button is released, the shift of the cursor 3690 and the screentransition stop.

After the stop, the display unit 3460 may continuously display a screenwith divided sections or may display a multimedia content thumbnailselected by the cursor 3690 immediately before the shift of the cursor3690 stops.

FIG. 37 illustrates the shift of a cursor 3790 selecting one thumbnailamong a plurality of multimedia content thumbnails displayed on onescreen by the display unit 3460, according to another exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

When a down arrow button 3700 is continuously selected without beingreleased in a state in which a single multimedia content thumbnail isdisplayed, a multimedia content thumbnail 3715 a stored next to theprevious multimedia content thumbnail is displayed in stage S3710.

Thereafter, when a duration of the continuous selection of the downarrow button 3700 exceeds a predetermined threshold in stage S3710, thedisplay unit 3460 divides a screen 3725 into four sections and displaysfour multimedia content thumbnails in stage S3720.

Here, one thumbnail 3715 b corresponding to the multimedia contentthumbnail 3715 a displayed immediately before the screen division can beselected from the four multimedia content thumbnails using the cursor3790.

When the down arrow button 3700 has been continuously selected, thecursor 3790 is shifted down in stage S3730. In other words, asillustrated in FIG. 37, the cursor 3790 is shifted from a position ofthe 21st multimedia content thumbnail 3715 b to a position of a 23rdmultimedia content thumbnail 3735.

When the down arrow button 3700 has been continuously selected in astate in which the 23rd multimedia content thumbnail 3735 at the bottomof the screen is selected by the cursor 2790, the display unit 3460displays next four multimedia content thumbnails on a screen 3745 instage S3740. In other words, the four multimedia content thumbnailsincluding a multimedia content thumbnail 3747 stored next to a lastmultimedia content thumbnail 3737 displayed on the lower right side onstage S3730 are displayed.

The shift of the cursor 3790 and screen transition proceed according tothe continuous selection of one arrow button. When the selection of thearrow button is released, the shift of the cursor 3790 and the screentransition stop.

After the stop, the display unit 3460 may continuously display a screenwith divided sections or may display a multimedia content thumbnailselected by the cursor 3790 immediately before the shift of the cursor3790 stops.

FIG. 38 illustrates a procedure of displaying multimedia contentthumbnails according to a level of a duration while a button 3800 iscontinuously selected when a single multimedia content thumbnail isdisplayed on a screen at one time, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

The level may be set by a user. In the current exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention, a first level 3810 is assumed to be defined whenthe duration is less than 3 seconds; a second level 3820 is assumed tobe defined when the duration is at least 3 seconds and less than 5seconds; and a third level 3830 is assumed to be defined when theduration is at least 5 seconds and less than 7 seconds.

In response to the first level 3810, the display unit 3460 displaysmultimedia content thumbnails in the order in which they are stored inthe storage unit 3410. For example, the display unit 3460 displays afirst multimedia content thumbnail 3811 and then displays a secondmultimedia content thumbnail 3812. This sequential display may becontinued until a user stops the display or changes the first level 3810to the second level 3820.

In the second level 3820, the display unit 3460 displays multimediacontent thumbnails according to the stored order at intervals of 10. Forexample, the display unit 3460 displays a 21st multimedia contentthumbnail 3821 and then displays a 31st multimedia content thumbnail3822. This interval display may be continued until the user stops thedisplay or changes the second level 3820 to the third level 3830.

In the third level 3830, the display unit 3460 displays multimediacontent thumbnails according to the stored order at intervals of 100.For example, the display unit 3460 displays a 51st multimedia contentthumbnail 3831 and then displays a 151st multimedia content thumbnail3832. This interval display may be continued until a user stops thedisplay or changes the third level 3830 to a next level.

The levels of the duration and the display intervals may be determinedby the user.

In the current exemplary embodiment of the present invention illustratedin FIG. 38, a single multimedia content thumbnail is displayed on ascreen at one time, but a plurality of multimedia content thumbnails,for example, four or nine multimedia content thumbnails, may bedisplayed on one screen.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart of a method of displaying multimedia contentsaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In operation S3910, multimedia contents are stored in the storage unit3410. The storage unit 3410 may be included in a device or may beimplemented by a separated module, which transmits multimedia contentsor multimedia content thumbnails to the device by way of wired orwireless communication.

The multimedia contents stored in the storage unit 3410 may have beengenerated by the device of may have been received from a differentdevice. Here, the device may include units (for example, an image pickupunit, a decoder, and an image signal processor) for generatingmultimedia contents.

The multimedia contents may be stored in the storage unit 3410 in apredetermined order. In detail, the multimedia contents may be stored inorder of file name, creation time, access time, or file size, which isselected by a user, or an order specially defined by the user.

In operation S3920, one of the multimedia contents is displayed inresponse to the user's command. Here, a multimedia content or amultimedia content thumbnail may be displayed. Hereinafter, it isassumed that multimedia content thumbnails are stored in the storageunit 3410 and the multimedia content thumbnails are displayed. However,the size of multimedia contents may be converted and then directlydisplayed.

In operation S3930, a button signal is received when the user selects aleft or right arrow button to display a previous or next multimediacontent thumbnail in a state where a single multimedia content thumbnailis displayed.

The buttons may be provided in the device or may be implemented in aseparate module which transmits a button signal to the device by way ofwired or wireless communication. The button signal may include a codeindicating a type of a corresponding button and information on a timewhen the button is selected, a code generated according to apredetermined algorithm, or a selection code and a release code set forthe button.

The received button signal is transmitted to the controller 3440. Thecontroller 3440 confirms whether the input signal is the button signaland transmits the button signal to the determiner 3450. In operationS3940, the determiner 3450 detects a duration while the button signal isreceived.

The determiner 3450 may use the information on a time when the button isselected, the code generated according to a predetermined algorithm, orthe selection code and the release code set for the button to detect theduration.

For example, when a value of 13:59:58 is included in the button signalas the time information, the determiner 3450 detects a duration based onthe time.

When the code generated according to the predetermined algorithm isincluded in the button signal, the determiner 3450 detects as theduration a period of time from the reception of a button signalincluding one code to the reception of a button signal including adifferent code.

When the selection code and the release code are included in the buttonsignals, the determiner 3450 detects as the duration a period of timefrom the reception of a button signal including the selection code andthe reception of a button signal including the release code.

The duration detected by the determiner 3450 is transmitted to thecontroller 3440. In operation S 3950, the controller 3440 checks a levelof the duration and transmits the duration or the level of the durationto the content extractor 3430.

For example, a duration of less than 3 seconds may be defined as a firstlevel; a duration of at least 3 seconds and less than 5 second may bedefined as a second level; and a duration of at least 5 seconds and lessthan 7 seconds may be defined as a third level. The controller 3440 maytransmit the duration or a level determined based on the above-describedmatching to the content extractor 3430.

In operation S3960, the content extractor 3430 extracts multimediacontent thumbnails in different numbers from the storage unit 3410according to the duration or the level of the duration.

For example, the content extractor 3430 extracts multimedia contentthumbnails one by one at predetermined intervals in response to thefirst level, four by four at predetermined intervals in response to thesecond level, and nine by nine at predetermined intervals in response tothe third level.

Here, the content extractor 3430 may extract multimedia contents orthumbnails corresponding to the respective multimedia contents from thestorage unit 3410. The number of multimedia content thumbnails displayedat one time according to the level of the duration may be set by theuser. In operation S3970, the display unit 3460 receives and displaysthe extracted multimedia content thumbnails.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, aplurality of function modes are set using several input keys anddifferent types of information are set using one input key, so that manyfunctions can be controlled with a small number of buttons.

Also, a state of an MP3 player mode can be adjusted using several inputkeys and state information of the MP3 player mode is displayed on adisplay according to the change in a state of the MP3 player mode, sothat a user can easily use MP3 player functions in an integrated digitaldevice.

A state of a DMB receiver mode can be adjusted using several input keysand state information of the DMB receiver mode is displayed on a displayaccording to the change in a state of the DMB receiver mode, so that theuser can easily use DMB receiver functions in the integrated digitaldevice.

A plurality of function modes and various main and sub menus of adigital device having various functions are efficiently displayed usinga menu display method, thereby providing convenient GUI for users.

The user is allowed to select a screen, from which all icons andcharacters except hot key information indicating essential functions areremoved, or a screen, from which all icons and characters are totallyremoved, using a step-by-step key input command in a digital camera or adigital camcorder, thereby providing convenience for the user.

Moreover, the number of thumbnails is changed according to the durationwhile selection of a multimedia content search button is continued, sothat a large number of multimedia contents can be searched quickly.Also, a search interval is also changed according to the duration, sothat a large number of multimedia contents can be searched quickly evenwhen the number of multimedia contents displayed at one time is notchanged.

While the present invention has been shown and described with referenceto certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by thoseof ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detailsmay be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

1-80. (canceled)
 81. An electronic device comprising: an image capturingunit; an input unit adapted to receive a user input; a digital audioplayback unit operable to process at least one digital audio file; astorage unit which stores at least one still or moving image captured bythe image capturing unit and the at least one digital audio fileplayable by the digital audio playback unit; a connection interface unitwhich provides a connection between the device and an external device; acontroller which controls a plurality of operation modes; a digitaltelevision (TV) broadcast signal receiver operable to receive a digitalTV broadcast signal; and a display unit adapted to display at least oneof an image captured by the image capturing unit, a plurality of menu orsub-menu items and a digital TV playback, wherein at least one of theplurality of menu or sub-menu items can be assigned to at least one ofthe plurality of operation modes comprising an image capturing mode, adigital audio playback mode, a digital still or moving image displaymode and a digital TV playback mode.
 82. The device of claim 81, if thedigital TV playback mode is selected, a corresponding menu or sub-menuitem comprising channel list information can be displayed.
 83. Thedevice of claim 81, wherein, if the image capturing mode is selected bya user, a corresponding menu or sub-menu item comprising a flash item, aclose-up shooting item, a self-timer item, a slideshow item, and anerase protection item can be displayed on the display unit.
 84. Thedevice of claim 81, wherein, if a digital camcorder mode of the imagecapturing mode is selected by a user, a corresponding menu or sub-menuitem comprising an automatic exposure item, a white balance item, acolor tone item, an erase protection item, and a video playback optionitem can be displayed on the display unit.
 85. The device of claim 81,wherein, if the digital audio playback mode is selected by a user, acorresponding menu or sub-menu comprising a user playlist display item,a repeated playback item, an equalizer item, and a stored content listdisplay item can be displayed on the display unit.
 86. The device ofclaim 81, further comprising: a digital audio recorder unit, wherein theplurality of operation modes further comprises an audio recorder mode,and wherein, if the audio recorder mode is selected, a correspondingmenu or sub-menu item comprising a repeated playback item, an eraseprotection item, and a stored content list display item can bedisplayed.
 87. The device of claim 81, wherein the display unit displaysa menu or sub-menu item as an icon, respectively, indicating content ofthe corresponding menu or sub-menu item.
 88. The device of claim 87,wherein an icon of each of the plurality of menu or sub-menu items canbe varied if the content of the corresponding menu or sub-menu item ischanged.
 89. The device of claim 81, wherein, if a user input isreceived, a sub menu for a menu item corresponding to the user input canbe displayed.
 90. The device of claim 81, wherein the device can beconnected to the external device by using a wired communication methodincluding Ethernet, universal serial bus (USB), IEEE 1394, serialcommunication, and parallel communication or a wireless communicationmethod including infrared radiation, Bluetooth, home radio frequency(RF), and wireless local area network (WLAN) via the connectioninterface unit.
 91. The device of claim 90, further comprising a USBport to be connected to a computer to function as a USB storage.
 92. Thedevice of claim 81, wherein the digital audio file comprises a MPEGlayer 3 (MP3) file.
 93. The device of claim 81, wherein, whileinformation corresponding to one of the plurality of menu or sub-menuitems is set, an icon corresponding to the one of the plurality of menuor sub-menu items can be displayed distinctively.
 94. The device ofclaim 81, wherein the plurality of menu or sub-menu items comprise atleast one of a flash item, a close-up shooting item, a self-timer item,a slideshow item, an erase protection item, a channel list display item,a favorite channel item, a stored content list display item, a userplaylist display item, a repeated playback item, an equalizer item, anautomatic exposure item, a white balance item, a color tone item, and avideo playback option item.
 95. The device of claim 81, furthercomprising an antenna for the digital TV broadcast signal receiver. 96.The device of claim 81, wherein the plurality of operation modes furthercomprise a radio mode.